Zweig Group, the leading provider of management consulting, research, and education for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, has announced the release of its 2026 Valuation Report of AEC Firms. This highly anticipated publication provides the AEC industry’s most trusted data on firm value, deal structures, and the factors shaping today’s mergers and acquisitions and ownership transition landscape.
Built from real transaction data and proprietary survey insights, the 2026 report offers clarity at a time when valuation expectations, capital availability, and buyer behavior continue to evolve. Whether firms are planning for a future transition, evaluating growth options, or actively in the market, the report equips leaders, boards, and advisors with actionable benchmarks to support informed decision-making.
Key trends from the 2026 Valuation Report:
-
Value per FTE crossed the $100,000 threshold for the first time.
-
The value-to-NSR ratio reached its highest level on record for this publication at 0.66, up from 0.63 last year.
-
Value-to-backlog rebounded after declining over the past two years.
“Valuation is never just a number. It’s a reflection of performance, risk, and future opportunity,” said Chad Clinehens, president and CEO of Zweig Group. “This year’s Valuation Report gives AEC leaders a clearer view of the market and practical metrics they can use to benchmark, plan, and move forward with confidence.”
For decades, the Valuation Report has served as the industry standard. Firm leaders rely on it to benchmark performance, evaluate ownership transition strategies, and understand how market conditions are influencing enterprise value across the AEC sector.